Has anyone made a muskrat trap from a 55gal poly barrel? I have had good luck with floating colony traps but I am finding that turtles like to get up on them and eat the bait. I cant use any 110s or footholds so I am just looking for other floating options since I cant get permission where the bank dens are. Im looking somthing like this but instead snare a 1 way door or a pipe used like a funnel.The one thing Im unsure is will a muskrat dive to swim inside?

This was an idea for nutria rats from a pond mgmt company and after seeing this idea it just got me thinking how to make a floating trap that would not stand out like a normal trap in HOA subdisions where bank permission could not be granted. The only thing Im not sure about is if it would be better to have a door below the water or keep it at or above the water line? One way doors would be used instead of those snares with a bait box above the water.

Don't worry about the legality Jim. Once they find out it's ADC work and not fur trapping, nobody cares. It ain't legal in Wisconsin either ( And that barrel trap is nearly a hundred year old idea ) but if he gets it working good, I'll be using them.

Well just an update on the float. It has been out for 4 days. The first morning check 3 rats. The other 3 checks it has been thrown over the spillway. So I guess my next option is to get it out in deep enough water where someone has to swim to it, and drop about 50 pound anchor with chain and a lock. Unless there are any other ideas. I would like to see if the 3 rats the first night was just a first night luck deal or if this is really going to produce muskrats.

Well just an update on the float. It has been out for 4 days. The first morning check 3 rats. The other 3 checks it has been thrown over the spillway. So I guess my next option is to get it out in deep enough water where someone has to swim to it, and drop about 50 pound anchor with chain and a lock. Unless there are any other ideas. I would like to see if the 3 rats the first night was just a first night luck deal or if this is really going to produce muskrats.